TRIPAWDS: Home to 22971 Members and 2152 Blogs.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG

Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat

Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.

JUMP TO FORUMS

Join The Tripawds Community

Learn how to help three legged dogs and cats in the forums below. Browse and search as a guest or register for free and get full member benefits:

Instant post approval.

Private messages to members.

Subscribe to favorite topics.

Live Chat and much more!

Please consider registering
Guest
Search
Forum Scope


Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Register Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon-c
Upcoming amputation of my loving Great Swiss Mountain Dog... Extremely stressed
sp_NewTopic Add Topic
Member Since:
5 November 2021
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
16
9 November 2021 - 11:06 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

benny55 said
Welcome to the Tripawd RockStar  Family Isis!  

So she will be at the clinic until Friday??  Generally, not always, dogs stay one to two nights.  Sometimes  they do stay longer if they are mobile yet.  

ISIS will set her own pace.  Try not to compare her rec to other sogs.  Each dog is different.   Each recovery is different.  Some dogs need harness assistance for several days or longer....some need no assistance  at all.  Just follow Isis's  lead.

When you do tomtoe pick her up, shownup with a strong confident e edgy.  Don't  even bother to look at her incision  or draw attention to Iit.  Ahe just needs to see your Happy smiling face telling her she's a good girl and she's gping home!!!  Be upbeat!  She'll feed off your energy. 

I know it's hard to believe,  especially  in the very early part of recovery,  but you will be amazed at how well Isis adapted to a pain free life on three!!!

Stay connected  and hang onto us.  This will all soon be behind uou!

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

  

 Hello,

Thank you for your reply.

Yes, they keeps her between 4 and 5 days. She is a very large and overweight dog, and she is having limb manipulation sessions to prevent muscle atrophy. She is very well treated. She is able to stand on grass, and they take all the necessary precautions. I don't know how it is in the US, but in France, for a hospitalization in a very good clinic, it costs 3000 euros for the surgery and the 3 days package + 300-400 euros per additional day.

Today I visited her. She was completely lying down and not moving much. She can't stand up on her own, but the specialist vet told me that this is quite normal for a dog of this size. I sat on the floor next to her and spent my time petting her... But I was not shocked at all. I was prepared. I just think it's a new life for her and I'm happy for her. I'm glad I did it.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
17
9 November 2021 - 1:17 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Oh you sound so good! I'm really happy to read your latest news. How sweet you got to see her, I'll bet she loved the visit.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
18
9 November 2021 - 2:20 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Thank you so much for the updand it's a good one!!  The clinic sounds wonderfully prepared to help Isis become mobile once the sedation meds wear off and she becomes more aware.  Did I read this eight...she is already able to stand on grass???  If so, that's amazing!!  And if not, she will soon!!.Right now she's resting comfortably and that's exactly what she needs.

So glad you got to visit.  Even though she was.not  very ALERT this point, she definitely  k ew you were there and I'm sure your presence comforted her....comforted both of you!💖

Others can chime in on the current prices for amputation surgery, etc.  It does vary greatly here from area to area.

Now is the time for you to treat yourself to some rest.  This is so exha getting to this point emotionally  and physically.  

We'll look forward to more updates.  Good job!!

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
19
9 November 2021 - 7:31 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

 I don't know how it is in the US, but in France, for a hospitalization in a very good clinic, it costs 3000 euros for the surgery and the 3 days package + 300-400 euros per additional day.

Well, based on the latest exchange, 3k Euros = $3,477 USD. That would be an average price here, I think. I've seen it as high as $4500 in major cities but in general it's around $3500 USD.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
5 November 2021
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
20
11 November 2021 - 2:30 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

A real miracle happened.

That morning, one of the vets didn't even know if she would ever get up again. I was extremely worried.

I visited her at the same time than the day before because I knew that in her head she knew she was going to see me.

She then started walking down the path to see me. All of a sudden. I stayed with her for 45 minutes with a friend she really likes to stimulate her. She would get up and walk...

The vets said it was "extraordinary" for a dog that size and overweight, and that she was a fighter.

I am so proud of her. Bottom line: The vets said I could have her back tonight instead of tomorrow.

Next step: Chemotherapy.

Thank you!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
21
11 November 2021 - 9:19 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

YAY! smiley_clapWe are so proud of Isis too! And you! Because you had that vision of her, it's like you two are on the same wavelength. That is a powerful connection that can get her on the fast track to healing!

Really happy she's coming home. Please keep us posted.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
22
11 November 2021 - 10:02 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

So happy to read this update!!!  You two have such a  beautiful bond....a true connection. And make no mistake about it, being there with her and bringing  her friend helped give her a sense of "normalcy"..

Now, when the hospital meds get out of her system completely, if she has a bit of what appears to be no progress, that's  not unusual at all. 

So glad she fets to come home tonight.  It will be so good for voth of you.  Update after she gets settled.

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

  

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Member Since:
13 November 2021
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
23
14 November 2021 - 8:04 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

This thread has really lifted my mood and hope. Our worry isn't the amputation, but his arthritis and any pain he would be in after the op. I never realised until our oncologist said that Large breeds put at least 60% of their weight on their front legs.

  

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
24
14 November 2021 - 11:41 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

doodlebert said
This thread has really lifted my mood and hope. Our worry isn't the amputation, but his arthritis and any pain he would be in after the op. I never realised until our oncologist said that Large breeds put at least 60% of their weight on their front legs.

I'm so glad this helps you right now when you're trying to decide about Bert!

That's definitely true about the 60 percent. Keep in mind that post-op pain can be managed really well, and even dogs with arthritis can do well on three legs when their weight is kept down. See my post in response to your questions.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
5 November 2021
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
25
15 November 2021 - 10:56 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_EditHistory sp_QuotePost

Small update:

Isis is doing very well. She is sleeping a lot, and doesn't seem to be in any pain. She is extremely peaceful.

She walks well. A real crazy girl 🙂

My dog had osteoarthritis in both shoulders, but not enough to be a contraindication, and it seems to be easily mitigated with painkillers.

Tomorrow I'm taking her for her first chemotherapy (carboplatin) session. I'm very stressed. She's spending the night at the clinic, and I really don't know if this will make my beloved Isis sick. She is sleeping a lot and eating extremely well at the moment. I'm really worried that this will change...

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
26
15 November 2021 - 4:41 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

So glad to hear ISIS is comfortable  and resting.  Resting is so important to healing.  Plus I'm sure the pain meds are keeping her a bit on the " quiet" side.

Just curious why she is having to spend the night for her chemo treatment.  Also, fwiw, if you feel like she needs a few extra days to continue  to recover it's okay to delay the treatment.  Of course, discuss with your Vet.  I'm merely  making a suggestion.  Generally, not always, chemo is given "approximately " two weeks-ish after surgery.  I waited until three weeks with my Hapoy Hann simply because  I felt like she needed  to get a bit stronger.

BTW, It's spectacular  that she is walking well already!  Such a Warrior!

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!

PS....The Vet can send you home with Cerenia  (or give her an injection  at the clinic) if she does go off  her food a bit or shows some signs of nausea.  It's usually over in a few days if ot does happen, so no worries.  And it may not happen at all!

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
27
15 November 2021 - 9:47 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Well that's a BIG update! How wonderful she is comfortable and recovering so well!

Most dogs handle chemotherapy really, really well. They receive a much lower dose than people do. Your vet can send her home with anti-nausea meds like Cerenia or Odansetron, just in case. Ask to make sure they will. But most times, the only real side effects are lack of appetite for a few days, pretty manageable stuff.

And yep, in the States most dogs come home the same day of chemotherapy. Your vet sounds very cautious, which should put your mind at ease.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
5 November 2021
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
28
28 November 2021 - 11:20 am
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hello,

Some news :

No side effects from the chemotherapy. Isis is becoming herself again and she is doing really well. She is really getting better. Much better than before her amputation.

I don't regret anything.

Thank you all for your help, really.

On The Road


Member Since:
24 September 2009
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
29
28 November 2021 - 1:02 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

WOOHOO!!!! Oh that is such hoppy news, thank you for letting us know. We are doing a hoppy dance for you and Isis!!!!

Update when you can, we always love knowing how she's doing.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
30
28 November 2021 - 5:35 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print sp_QuotePost

Hmmmm....lets try this again... got logged out..

Over the moon happy to read this update!!   Every aspect made me smile a huge big smile!!!

But one of my favorite parts was this::

She is really getting better. Much better than before her amputation.

That is exactly why we do what we do here.

Hugs

Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

Forum Timezone: America/Denver
Most Users Ever Online: 946
Currently Online: admin, jerry, Shelby
Guest(s) 218
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1268
Members: 17734
Moderators: 6
Admins: 3
Forum Stats:
Groups: 4
Forums: 24
Topics: 18610
Posts: 256804
Administrators: admin, jerry, Tripawds
Tripawds is brought to you by Tripawds.
HOME » NEWS » BLOGS » FORUMS » CHAT » YOUR PRIVACY » RANDOM BLOG